Was just reading an article where Anthony Jackson says that the 6 string bass is exactly how a bass should be. Now I thank Mr. Jackson for his opinion, but I think that a 5 string is the bee's knees. The fiddly extra string on a 6 is quite 'lady like' if you catch my drift.

My question to the forum..... 4, 5 or 6 strings (or even more I you are called Jean Baudin) on a bass and why?

SHOOT!


Andre, this might be a good poll subject.......??

4 defo. 5 if necessary

I know several record producers and they say....

"4 big fat dirty strings please!"

That's it!

6 strings ? My left hand is not wide enough for the neck ! :D

For fast funky stuff, my 4-string Status basses are unequalled. Nothing is faster, more even or sounds better.
I've been using my newest S2-Classic 5-string recently in shows & the bottom B came in very handy, but I use either a double bass, my Warwick Triumph upright or my 6-string Yamaha for a lot of big band work. The TRB-6 really comes into it's own when you're playing either jazz solos where you have so many more options & also for situations when you're playing with a lot of brass & wind players in stupid keys, where the C-string gives you more scope not to change position as often.

Six stringers are brilliant!

For me, a Bass = 4 Strings, can't say what you want with 4, then your hiding, dont dig the ERB thing, dropped Z death tuning or the old excuse of a "tight" low B, say it with 4 on the floor or not all! IMHO.

4 all the way,5 and 6s scare me to death!

im a 4 er , keep thinking i might get a 5 at some point....

I have been tempted to buy a 5er, as I could always tune it EADGC, like a tenor, as I just dont like having the B.

I used to play only 4 string basses for 20 to 25 years " give or take ". Being very interseted in chords, tempted me to purchase a 6 string. With a 6 string, you have the best of two worlds + much much more. Meaning, it's like having a 5 string ( BEADG ) for great grooves all the way down to the low B & a 4 string picollo ( ADGC ) for chording, melody & solo's. And you can mix these 2 worlds together with the various techniques played via the bass. Lets not forget, the 4 string tuning ( EADG ) is always available whenever needed.
It actualy took me a lot of years of practicing & inner conflicts to finaly make the switch from 4 to 6 string basses. Since, I've had no regrets, the 6 string got to be as comfortable to play as the 4 string, eventualy.
I beleive its always up to the individual musicians, as long as its very musical, the number of strings realy does not matter.
Also by putting distortion + sustain on a 6 string fretless, you can simulate a whammy bar quite efficiently with dive bombs & all. Very interesting.
To paraphrase Frank Zappa, " the mind is like a parachute, its does not work properly if its not open ".
Anywaay, the important thing is to have fun & exploit to the max our musical asparations, is it not ?

Don. ;)

P.S. There is nothing " lady " like when using the high C string

Well stated. B)

a very interesting discussion...For me a bass is an instrument with only 4 strings. Perhaps a 5 or 6-string can give you an extra option for this or that but in general I´m fully happy with my S2 4-string. On the other hand you can´t say a 4 or a 5 or a 6 string is the best. I think this is more or less an individual decision. There are all kinds available and so everybody is happy:)

It s only the best for me concerning my musical growth. Some of the best players in the world are playing the 4 stringer, so long live the 4 stringer. The important thing is to be happy with our playing, thats the bottom line, the number of strings realy does not matter at all.

Don.:)

Don, if I played half as good as you, I would be on a 6 stringer too!!

:o